Learn how to check Honda transmission levels in your car without getting an incorrect reading. Many vehicles require you to check transmission fluid while the transmission is cold, but not Honda transmissions. Find out how to keep your Honda transmission in good working order for years to come.

Start and drive your Honda to warm the transmission. Letting the car idle will warm the engine but not the transmission. The gears have to engage for the transmission to warm up. Drive for at least 10-15 minutes.

Park and turn off the car on flat, solid ground. Parking on a hill will shift the fluids inside the transmission and give you false readings on the stick.

Find the dipstick for the transmission. Make sure you find the transmission dipstick, not the engine oil dipstick. Most engine oil dipsticks are labeled and come out of the engine. Transmission dipsticks are normally on the side of the engine area and are lower than the engine oil dipstick.

Check the transmission fluid level by making sure the dipstick is in the locked position, then pull it out, wipe the tip with a rag and push it back down into the locked position. Pull the dipstick out again and look at the tip. There will be two lines or two dots engraved into the metal of the stick. The fluid level should be between these two marks.

Smell the fluid on the stick to check for odors. If the oil smells burnt, you need to have the transmission fluid flushed and refilled with new Honda transmission fluid.

Tip

checkOverfilling a Honda transmission with oil will cause the transmission to fail. Always pull the dipstick out, wipe and then insert it into the locked position before pulling it out again for the actual check.

Warning

closeDo not check the transmission fluid while the transmission is cold. Most vehicles require the transmission to be cold when the fluid is checked, but not Honda vehicles. Doing this will give you an incorrect reading. Do not think that the transmission fluid is okay just because it isn't dark-colored. Even light-colored transmission fluid can be burned and have lost all lubricating capabilities.

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About the Author

Since 1997 Jenny Carver has served as editor and freelance writer for many offline and online publications including lovetoknow.com, autotropolis.com, "Hoof Beat News," "Import Tuner" and others. Carver owns a custom automotive shop where she has been doing paint and body work, custom interior work and engine building for over 11 years.